We were able to get in touch with John Reina recently and he agreed to answer some questions for BLF.  Reina, a shortstop from Daniel Boone High School in Pennsylvania, is committed to Morehead State.

How old were you when you started playing baseball?

I started playing at the age of 5.

At what point did you realize that you had a chance at a future in the sport?

At age 13 I realized I had a future in the sport when I went to a college prospect camp leading into my freshman year of high school; and I had an ACC head coach tell me to keep working hard and good things will happen for me in this crazy baseball world we love.

What do you feel are the strengths of your game?

My speed, arm strength, glove, and the ability to hit consistently from both sides of the plate.

What aspects of your game do you feel need the most work?

Being more selective at the plate, not swinging at pitches up in the zone. It’s hard to stay on top of the pitch about two ball lengths above your belt. I’m going to keep working on pitch selection.

Is there a player in the Majors who you would compare yourself with, or who you model your game after?

I would have to say Dustin Pedroia, he constantly hustles. He is always grinding and preparing for the next play. We are both on the smaller side and play our hearts out for the pure love of the game.

Who has had the most influence on your baseball career?

My father, he has been there every step of the way for me. He has hit me an uncountable amount of ground balls, thrown me countless batting practice pitches, and anything and everything in between that. The big thing for me overall was the fact that he was always there for me during the struggles and successes that my career has had thus far.

What have been your best experiences on a baseball field?

Playing with my summer team the Grand Slam Bluerocks. It was an unbelievable comradery  between the players, we just meshed so well together. We are all from different schools, some are from separate states, but we are a family now. Playing with these guys over the past three years has truly been an amazing experience. This past summer and fall was unbelievable, we ended up finishing 113-17 overall in all of our tournaments combined.

What made you choose Morehead State?

I love the way the coaches were open to answering questions we had, as well as them being open and honest about the things their program had to offer. I truly feel the program will continue to get better and pursue the goals of a conference championship and further.

In baseball ended tomorrow, you would?

If baseball ended tomorrow, I would go get my degree in kinesiology, or sports management.. Then, open up a baseball place to benefit kids who want to work to get better all the time. As well as open the facility for disabled children and their families to come and play baseball with their kids.

What is something that baseball fans would be surprised to learn about Johnny Reina ?

I was recruited heavily, from my freshman year on… But I was told by numerous division one schools I was good enough to play there, just that I was too small. I am glad Morehead was able to look past my “undersized division one frame” and let me give it everything I have to the future of the program and working toward accomplishing my ultimate goal of getting a college degree and being drafted.